HI and EF initiate a global partnership

Education First (EF) and Hostelling International (HI) are proud to announce a new global partnership that will serve to further their missions to help young people travel the world, experience new cultures and broaden their horizons.

Both EF and HI have long histories of enhancing world travel for young people. Hostelling International is the only global network of hostel associations, offering 4,000 hostels in 90 countries worldwide, founded in 1932 and hosting more than 38 million overnights a year. EF is the world’s largest private education company specialized in language travel. With offices in more than 50 countries worldwide, EF has helped over 15 million students learn a new language and travel abroad since the company was founded in 1965.

“We have been looking for a partner with the same set of values and mission, and EF is just the right one,” said Mikael Hansson, CEO of Hostelling International. “Our missions are basically the same, namely reaching out to young people of different cultures to educate and broaden their horizons. EF teaches languages and we offer budget accommodation in a social and safe environment. Together we also focus on two very important issues; to encourage youth mobility and to promote sustainable travel.

“We are very proud to support HI customers and staff with special offers for their language travel plans,” said Anita Hauser, Partnership Marketing Director at EF. “This will help us to further our organization’s mission to break down barriers of language, culture and geography.”

About EF Education First
Established in 1965 with the mission to "break down barriers in language, culture, and geography", EF Education First (EF) is the world's leading international education company. EF has helped over 15 million students to learn a new language and travel abroad. With a network of 400 schools and offices worldwide, EF specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange programs. Find out more on www.ef.com .

About Hostelling International
Hostelling International offers over 4,000 safe and friendly quality hostels in 90 countries. HI promotes intercultural exchange, social learning and care for the environment. The hostel network enables young people of different nationalities, cultures and social background to meet informally, share experiences and learn about each other and their surroundings. Find out more on www.hihostels.com.